The August Tournament

The "new normal" seems to be to my liking. 

For the second straight tournament, I took down the win, this one slightly more impressive as the field was bigger by two players.  I played well for the most part, not taking too many stupid chances and pushing the action when I had the right cards, position, and chips.  That and a little bit of luck gave me the win, besting Tom in heads-up play.

I hate to say this in a way, but a little bit of alcohol helped once again as well.  It was four beers this time instead of six, but still, I'm not going to make a habit out of drinking every time I play.  Not good, for obvious reasons.  Although, having a few beers once every other month probably isn't going to hurt anything.

Even before  the beers, however, I found myself much more relaxed than I had been in the past; feeling and thus exhibiting more of a "go with the flow" attitude.   In the past, starting an hour and a half past the scheduled time, or seeing some of the kids (led by my own) making a mud hole in the back yard might have gotten on my nerves.  But it didn't, and I'm glad.  In fact, a couple days after the tournament, I was thinking how I am proud of myself that my reaction to the Mud Hole Incident was literally a shrug and "eh, let them have some fun".  The yard can be fixed, if needed.  Clothes can be washed or replaced.  But you can't go back and make memories.

Marathon to 10k: 4 home game hours, 151.75 total home game hours, 263.25 total hours